Oklahoma Veterans Registry

State Department Of Veterans Affairs Wants Vets To Use Registry

The State Department of Veterans Affairs is promoting a registry that, the agency says, will help Oklahoma keep track of its veterans while giving them important information about benefits.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 1215, effective November 1, 2021, all new applicants for sales tax exemption based on a veteran’s 100% service-connected disability status are required to register in the Oklahoma Veterans Registry to verify eligibility.  Veterans (and surviving spouses) previously awarded sales tax exempt status prior to November 1, 2021 must register in the Oklahoma Veterans Registry in order to remain eligible for the benefit of sales tax exemption. 

If you have not already registered, please do so immediately to avoid a delay or suspense in this important state benefit.

The Oklahoma Veterans Registry can be accessed at the following link: https://registry.odva.ok.gov/registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry created by 2017 by the Oklahoma Legislature. The registry allows Oklahoma’s veterans to voluntarily identify themselves to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) to verify eligibility for state benefits. Additionally, ODVA can utilize the registry in reaching out to Oklahoma’s veterans to notify them of other state and federal benefits.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

How do I add my name to the Veterans’ Registry?

A(1): Active Duty Service Members, National Guard and Reservists may register by providing an application and copy of your current Military identification card to ODVA. If you have a discharge from previous active duty service you would be eligible for the Veteran Identifier on your driver license

A(2): Veterans may register by providing an application and a copy of your military discharge to ODVA. Your discharge must include the characterization of service. Once in the registry, you may get the Veterans Identifier on your Oklahoma driver license or state ID card.

Q: Is the eligibility for Veteran Identifier and the discounted Registration renewal the same?

A: No, The Veteran Identifier on the driver license and the discounted registration renewal have different criteria as outlined in Oklahoma Statues. When you apply to the Veterans’ Registry, ODVA will verify eligibility for both the Driver License Identifier and the discounted registration renewal

Eligibility for Veteran Identifier:

Military Discharge (DD214) with the following information:

1. Active Duty service (other than for training)
2. Honorable service (Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions))

Eligibility for Discounted registration renewal:

Military Discharge (DD214) with the following information:

1. Honorable service (Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions))
2. A service connected disability of at least 50%, verified by the Federal VA

Q: What is the best way to apply to the Registry

Applying to the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry may be completed in several ways. The quickest way to apply is through our website: https://registry.odva.ok.gov/registration

Other ways to apply include:

1. Email an attached application and discharge (DD214, NGB 22) or Military ID to: Registry@odva.ok.gov
2. Print out the application and discharge (DD214, NGB 22) or Military ID and mail to:

ODVA
125 S. Main Street 1B38
Muskogee, OK 74401

1. Your local Service Officer is a good source of information and may be able to assist; a current directory may be found at: https://oklahoma.gov/veterans/registry.html
2. Telephone: (if the state has your DD214 already) 888-655-2838
3. Print out and fax your application and discharge (DD214, NGB 22) or Military ID) to: 918-682-4645

Q: Where do I get a copy of my discharge?

If you do not have a copy of your discharge from service, you may contact your Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or ODVA for a copy. If you are not originally from Oklahoma or have a special circumstance please contact ODVA for further guidance. Once you submit a copy of your discharge, it will be maintained in the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry. You must submit an acceptable form of your discharge such as a DD 214 (Member 4 Copy) which shows your name, active duty dates of service and characterization of discharge (Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions)).

Q: What do I do after I’m in the Veterans’ Registry?

Once you are in the Veterans’ Registry, it may take up to several hours for your information to be updated in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) computers. Once in the DMV computers, you may request the Veteran Identifier on your driver license or ID card.

Driver License FAQs:

Q: What is the purpose of the Veteran Indicator?

The Veteran Indicator on the driver license or state identification card is beneficial in identifying your veteran status without carrying a copy of your discharge. The Veteran Indicator may be helpful in obtaining discounts at your local retailer, applying for benefits through DVA or dealing with professionals such as law enforcement.

Please note that while your veteran status is verified by ODVA, no third party is required to accept the veteran indicator as proof of service.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for the Veteran Indicator?

A: You qualify for the Veteran Indicator if you have Active Duty service, Oklahoma resident who is a member of the Oklahoma National Guard or Reserves and a characterization of service of (HONORABLE or General (Under Honorable Conditions)).

Q: Do I have to register my status with the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry?

A: Application to the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry is voluntary; however, in order to get the Veteran Indicator on a license or ID card, veterans must first be enrolled in the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry, beginning November 1, 2020. Also, once in the registry, there is no obligation by the veteran to add the Veteran Indicator to their driver license or ID card.

Q: When did the DMV start issuing licenses and ID cards with the Veteran Indicator?

A: The Oklahoma DMV began offering the Veteran Indicator on driver licenses and state ID cards July 1st, 2014.

Q: What is the information in the registry used for?

A: The Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry may be used to verify eligibility for certain state benefits and may also be used for outreach to inform veterans of benefits. Your information will not be sold to a third party vendor.

Q: I am not the veteran but can I assist a veteran in filling out the application?

A: Yes, you may assist a veteran in completing the process as long as they have requested your assistance.

Q: How long is the processing time of my application?

A: It should take no longer than 1 to 2 weeks to process your request if your application is complete upon receipt.

Q: How will I be notified once my application is processed?

A: If you apply via our website or by paper application, your application will be processed and you will be notified via letter or email. If you apply through your VSO, you will be notified via letter or email.

Q: Who do I contact with questions about my license or state identification card?

A: For veteran related question please contact ODVA or your local Tag agent

Q: How often do I need to apply to the registry?

A: Once you are in the registry, you do not need to reapply.

Q: I’m new to Oklahoma and have an out of state driver license, what do I do?

A: Simply fill out the application with your prior state license information and write a brief summary in the comment section and if necessary ODVA will contact you with any questions.

Q: My question is not addressed here, who should I contact for more information?

A: You may call ODVA at 888-655-2838 or email us at: Registry@odva.ok.gov

Disclaimer
Upon receiving evidence of fraud in an application, the director of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety may cancel the license or state identification card and send notice of the cancellation to the licensee or cardholder. If the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has information that an individual is no longer eligible for the notation, the department may cancel the license and send notice of the cancellation to the licensee or cardholder. The notation shall not be restored until the Department of Motor Vehicles subsequently verifies the applicant’s eligibility. Additionally, upon receiving evidence of fraud, ODVA may remove any individual from the Oklahoma Veterans’ Registry and may forward such evidence to the local county attorney.